This is where you can find links to the websites of our Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs). RWPs are closest to the countries where we work. They share knowledge and learning across national boundaries and are expected to have an open, inclusive, and gender-sensitive policies for bringing together as wide a group of stakeholders as possible to solve water problems.

Global site

How to Become Our Partner?

Institutional Partners are the basis on which the GWP network is constructed and operates. Becoming a Partner is a highly valued position and brings with it several key benefits to get the most out of the GWP network.

Being a Partner is very different from an informal connection to GWP, with many benefits and advantages to working closely with and benefiting from the support of the GWP network.

The term Partner, rather than member, is used to underline the emphasis on the partnership mode of networking and the close relationship that is built between the network and its Partner constituents.

The Benefits of Becoming a Partner

The Network provides a Partner with services such as:

Being part of a global and local level multi-stakeholder platform, with a voice and influence at national and international policy discussions;

A channel through which to establish contact with other Partners, including the right to participate at the annual Network Meeting (Consulting Partners meeting);

Guidance on identifying critical needs for the sustainable management of water resources as well as on possible ways of meeting them;

An opportunity to match one Partner’s needs with another Partner’s resources;

An opportunity to contribute to the development of the concept of integrated water resources management;

Access to global information through GWP and various Partner newsletters, etc.

This website offers some complimentary features, such as exclusive access to find other partner organisation online, to get help from GWP entities around the world, and collaborate on IWRM issues.

Who can become a Partner?

Any entity, except individuals, may become a Partner of the Network. These typically include States, national, regional and local Government Institutions, Intergovernmental Organizations, international and national Non-governmental Organizations, Academic Institutions and Research Institutions, Companies, service providers in the public sector, or any such entity which recognizes the principles of integrated water resources management endorsed by the Network and is committed to these principles (as outlined in the application to be a Partner).

What about Individuals?

The GWP Statutes specify that individuals cannot become Partners of GWP. However, individuals are important contributors to the work of the GWP.

The development of the GWP network and partnerships has been built on the efforts of both institutions and individuals. The institutional approach has a greater potential to promote action, access funding and create a sense of community ownership while individuals bring in considerable expertise and social capital. For example, some of the successes achieved to-date in terms of influencing governments to adopt IWRM have been achieved through the work of individuals.

GWP thus gives recognition to the important role of individuals in the network, even though such individuals cannot become GWP Partners. The following provisions therefore govern the way GWP treats such individuals:

Individuals can participate in Country Water Partnership meetings and can serve in committees instituted by the CWP or RWP, but cannot have a vote and do not have decision making powers.